U.S.: Natural Gas Energy Production, by state
StateNet electricity generation,
in gigawatt hours
TexasTexas276,169
FloridaFlorida197,261
PennsylvaniaPennsylvania139,263
CaliforniaCalifornia94,292
OhioOhio77,785
LouisianaLouisiana74,212
GeorgiaGeorgia62,278
AlabamaAlabama61,392
New YorkNew York59,514
MichiganMichigan56,048
MississippiMississippi55,781
North CarolinaNorth Carolina53,424
ArizonaArizona52,836
VirginiaVirginia51,476
OklahomaOklahoma44,788
  • Region: United States
  • Time period: 2022
  • Published: Dec 2023

Data Analysis and Insights

Updated: Mar 28, 2024 | Published by: Statistico | About Us | Data sources

Texas Leads in Net Electricity Generation

Texas stands out as the top producer of natural gas energy, with a substantial net electricity generation of 276,169 gigawatt hours. This figure significantly surpasses that of Florida, the second-highest producer, which generates 197,261 gigawatt hours. The disparity highlights Texas's dominant role in the U.S. energy sector.

Top Five States Generate Over Half of the Total

The combined net electricity generation of the top five states—Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, California, and Ohio—totals 790,770 gigawatt hours. This amount represents more than half of the total net electricity generation (1,421,187 gigawatt hours) from the data provided, underscoring the concentration of natural gas energy production in these states.

Significant Drop from Top Producer to Fifth Place

The net electricity generation gap between the leading state, Texas (276,169 gigawatt hours), and the fifth-ranking state, Ohio (77,785 gigawatt hours), reveals a steep decline in production figures among the top producers. This gap emphasizes the uneven distribution of natural gas energy production across key states.

California's Position Despite Green Initiatives

California, known for its aggressive renewable energy initiatives, still ranks fourth in natural gas energy production with 94,292 gigawatt hours. This ranking suggests a continued reliance on natural gas amidst the state's transition to greener energy sources.

Close Production Figures in Lower Half of the List

The net electricity generation figures among the bottom seven states—ranging from Georgia's 62,278 gigawatt hours to Oklahoma's 44,788 gigawatt hours —show relatively close production numbers. This closeness indicates a more uniform distribution of natural gas energy production in these lower-ranked states compared to the wide disparities seen at the top of the list.

Eastern States Dominate the Middle Rankings

States located in the eastern U.S., such as Pennsylvania, New York, and Virginia, prominently feature in the middle rankings of net electricity generation. Pennsylvania, with 139,263 gigawatt hours, leads this group, highlighting the significant role of eastern states in the U.S. natural gas sector.

Oklahoma Rounds Out the List

Oklahoma, with a net electricity generation of 44,788 gigawatt hours, stands as the last on the list of key states in natural gas energy production. This figure positions Oklahoma as a smaller, yet vital, player in the national energy landscape, indicating diversity in the scale of production across states.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which state leads in net electricity generation?

Texas has the highest net electricity generation with 276,169 gigawatt hours.

What does the net electricity generation of the top five states represent?

The combined net electricity generation of 790,770 gigawatt hours by the top five states represents over half of the total net electricity generation (1,421,187 gigawatt hours).

Terms and Definitions

Natural gas is a type of fossil fuel formed from ancient organic matter, primarily plant material, that has been subjected to heat and pressure over millions of years. It is primarily composed of methane and is considered a clean-burning fuel, as it produces fewer emissions and pollutants than other fossil fuels when burned.

Energy production refers to the process of generating useful forms of energy from raw materials. With regards to natural gas, energy production involves the extraction, processing, and conversion of natural gas into a useable form for heating, electricity generation, or as a raw material in industrial processes.

The U.S. Energy Market is the sector of the economy that provides for the production and sale of energy, including electricity, heating and cooling, and transportation fuels. The market comprises various entities, including the government, corporations, investors, and consumers, all operating under the energy policies of the U.S.

Fossil fuel extraction refers to the process of mining or drilling to retrieve fossil fuels like natural gas from underground reservoirs. Depending on the type and location of the fossil fuels, this might involve techniques such as fracking, drilling, or mining.

Fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, is a method used to extract natural gas and oil from deep underground. It involves injecting high-pressure water, sand, and chemicals into a well to fracture the surrounding rocks and release the trapped gas or oil.

Methane is the primary component of natural gas, a colorless, odorless gas that is highly combustible. It is used extensively for heating and cooking and is also a significant source of electricity generation.

Emissions refer to pollutants released into the environment as a result of human activities, primarily the burning of fossil fuels. These can include gases such as carbon dioxide and methane, which contribute to climate change, as well as other pollutants that can harm air quality and human health.

Drilling is the process of creating a hole in the earth's subsurface to access and extract natural resources, like natural gas. The process involves either a rotary drill or a jackhammer, depending on the type of material being drilled through.
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